Article February 24, 1923 Issue

His "gracious words"

M. ELIZABETH FLANNIGAN

ON one occasion Jesus, returning to Nazareth, the city where he had been brought up, entered into the tabernacle and began to read from the Scriptures. His understanding of what he read, and his clear manner of explaining it, astonished his listeners; and it is recorded that they wondered at his "gracious words," saying, "Is not this Joseph's son?" Knowing him only as Joseph's son, associating him in their own thoughts with environmental limitations which they considered ill-suited to produce refinement of manner or graciousness of speech, feeling that culture was a question of birth or scholarly attainment, his listeners were astonished at the poise and self-possession of Jesus; and so they wondered at his gracious words. A Bible dictionary gives this definition of the word "gracious": "A divine influence upon the heart and its reflection in the life." This was, indeed, the graciousness which Jesus knew and manifested, and of which his listeners' religion, made up of forms and ceremonies, could take no cognizance. And this is the graciousness which comes instinctively to every true follower of the Christ, and which is emphasized and reemphasized throughout the teachings of Christian Science.

David explained the secret of his greatness in these words: "Thy gentleness hath made me great." And our revered Leader, Mrs. Eddy, has left many similar messages for our guidance in graciousness. On page 514 of "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" she says, "Tenderness accompanies all the might imparted by Spirit;" and in "The First Church of Christ Scientist, and Miscellany" (p. 247) she tells us, "It is not a stern but a loving look which brings forth mankind to receive your bestowal,—not so much eloquence as tender persuasion that takes away their fear, for it is Love alone that feeds them."

In Christian Science, lack of graciousness can no longer be excused on the plea of disposition, saying, It is not my disposition to be gracious, or affable; or, I am naturally quick tempered and outspoken; or, My environment has made me thus and so. Whatever limitations may be suggested, or whatever false conditions mortal mind may have tried to impose, the Master's life is an inspiration to prove that "a divine influence upon the heart and its reflection in the life" is true culture, and can be attained by all who will open their hearts to this "divine influence" of Truth and Love, as now offered to the world through the study and demonstration of Christian Science.

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